Rootstock Selection

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Almost all the wine varieties described in Wine Grape Varieties in California are of pure Vitis vinifera parentage. This species is particularly prone to attack by two root pests: grape phylloxera and para-sitic nematodes. Vitis vinifera vines can be protected from these pests by grafting them to Rootstock varieties derived from other vine species and resistant hybrids. Many of the rootstocks used for this purpose are adapted to particular soil types, chemistry, and fertil-ity. They may also be used to overcome vine -yard problems such as drought, excess water, and is important that growers select root-stocks that are: resistant to present and potential soil pests suitable for the soil s texture, depth, and fertility compatible with soil chemistry (pH, salinity, lime content) favored for the anticipated soil water avail-ability, drainage, and irrigation practice appropriate for the vineyard design, and appropriate for the fruiting variety s growth and fruiting Selection12 Wine Grape Varieties in California RootstockVitis parentagePhylloxera resistanceNematode Resistance ToleranceRo

gained in California’s diverse viticulture envi-ronment, deviation from the information in the table can be expected. Widespread University of California and grower rootstock trials will con-tinue to provide updated information on root-stock performance. Growers should also consult with their Cooperative Extension farm advisor,

  Vine, Environ ment, Ronments